5-Minute Consideration Period (Single Code 2024)

The Single Code of Practice requires a minimum 5-minute consideration period at the START of a parking stay during which drivers may enter, read signage, decide whether to park, and leave without being subject to a PCN. ANPR PCNs where the entire stay is 5 minutes or less must be cancelled.

Legal basis

Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice (BPA/IPC), Section on Consideration Periods; Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019

How to identify this in your case

Total stay (ANPR exit minus entry) is 5 minutes or less. Common where drivers enter, find a car park full, and leave.

Sample appeal wording

Dear [Operator Name], Re: PCN [PCN_NUMBER] — Vehicle [VRM] — [SITE_NAME] — [DATE] My total stay on site, evidenced by your own ANPR data (entry [ENTRY_TIME], exit [EXIT_TIME], total [TOTAL_MINUTES] minutes), falls entirely within the 5-minute consideration period mandated by the Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice 2024. The Code requires operators to allow a minimum 5-minute consideration period at the start of any visit during which a driver may read signage, assess available spaces and the terms, and depart without entering into any parking contract. As I did not stay beyond this period, no contractual relationship was formed and no parking charge can lawfully be claimed. I require immediate cancellation. Failure to do so will be appealed to [POPLA/IAS] on the same grounds. Yours faithfully, [Driver Name]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice (BPA/IPC, 27 June 2024)
https://www.britishparking-media.co.uk/news/private-parking-sector-single-code-of-practice-published